Malawi have reached the quarter-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time despite losing 2-1 to Zambia in a dramatic Group C finale in Morocco.
The Flames finished the group stage with six points, level with both Zambia and defending champions Nigeria, but advanced because of the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Their progress marks a historic achievement in Malawi’s first appearance at the tournament.
Zambia, meanwhile, bowed out despite securing victory in their final group match after failing to overcome the head-to-head criteria against Nigeria.
The Copper Queens made a strong start against Malawi, taking the lead just two minutes into the game when Barbra Banda found the net.
Prisca Chilufya then extended Zambia’s advantage in the 29th minute, leaving Malawi with a difficult task after conceding twice before half-time.
The Flames responded after the interval and reduced the deficit in the 71st minute through Tabitha Chawinga.
Chawinga’s goal brought renewed tension to the contest, with Malawi needing only to remain competitive in a match that ultimately had major consequences for the group standings.
Zambia, however, managed to protect their advantage and secured a 2-1 victory.
The result left the Copper Queens on six points after three group matches.
They had opened their campaign with a 6-0 victory over Egypt before suffering a 1-0 defeat by Nigeria.
That record left Zambia level on points with Malawi and Nigeria, but their earlier defeat by the reigning champions proved decisive.
Nigeria also ended the group stage on six points and claimed second place through the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Malawi’s position at the top of the group is particularly significant given the team’s status as tournament debutants.
The Flames had already produced one of the biggest surprises of the competition by defeating defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in their opening match.
They followed that result with a 3-1 victory over Egypt, giving them six points before their final meeting with Zambia.
Although Malawi were beaten by Zambia, their two earlier wins proved sufficient to secure their place in the knockout stages.
The achievement represents a major milestone for Malawian women’s football, with Fazili’s side now preparing for their first Women’s AFCON quarter-final.
Malawi will face the runner-up from Group D in the last eight. The opponent will be either Mali or Ghana.
For Zambia, the final outcome will be a source of frustration. Their victory over Malawi was not enough to keep them in the competition after the three teams finished level on points.
The Copper Queens’ emphatic win over Egypt had put them in a strong position, but their defeat against Nigeria ultimately contributed to their elimination.
Malawi’s progress, by contrast, underlines the impact of their impressive start to the tournament.
The Flames defeated the defending champions in their opening game, overcame Egypt in their second match and then survived a defeat by Zambia to reach the quarter-finals.
Their achievement gives Malawi a place among the final eight teams at their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and opens a new chapter for the country’s women’s football.
